Healthy Habits of Healthy Couples

Relationships take work to maintain. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to make that special person in your life a priority when you first meet? Your to-do list still gets done, you maintain your responsibilities and yet you still have time for a relationship! Life seems much more happy and exciting.

So why is it so hard to maintain such a joyful lifestyle after getting “used to” a relationship or getting married?

I believe it is because we do not know how to healthily prioritize all the roles and responsibilities we face and we let emotions dictate how we treat those we are in relationship with. Relationships cannot be led by feelings. They must be led by commitment.

Below is a list of healthy habits to maintain in your relationships:

1. Daily time to connect at the end of the day

Take time to sit down together and talk about your day. Don’t turn on the TV or be busy with chores during this time. Ask questions and listen to each other without distractions.

2. Monthly date nights

Make it a priority to spend time together alone for an evening or day at least once a month. Do activities that you enjoy together or that you enjoyed doing when you first met.

3. Invest time and energy into your friendship

Just like you make time for friends in order to stay in touch with them, maintaining a friendship with your spouse is just as important. Seeing each other every day or living together does not make you good friends. Go out of your way to be interested in each other lives, to give and serve one another, and to talk often.

4. Laugh often

Laughter is a strong factor in connection. See a funny movie together, talk about the funny things that happen throughout your day, and go out of your way to make each other laugh and smile.

5. Express gratitude for each other everyday

Don’t let a day go by where you forget to say how grateful you are for each other. Notice the ordinary things each other does and thank them for it. Go above and beyond to let them know you appreciate them.

6. Say “I love you” everyday

And don’t miss a day! Everyone needs to hear words of affirmation and affection, whether it’s their love language or not.